Campaign finance records on file with the Madison County probate judge's office show that Battle raised $16,200 in January, giving him a total of $179,135 since October.

He reported a campaign balance of $139,457 as of Jan. 31, after subtracting costs for advertising, food for campaign events and related expenses.

"It's a real testament to the work the mayor has done that so many people are willing to step up and help him financially," Battle's campaign consultant, Dave Driscoll, said Wednesday. "The city is in good shape financially, we keep being named a top place to live in the country.

"We have a good record to run on."

Unofficial city government watchdog Jackie Reed is Battle's only announced opponent for the Aug. 28 municipal election.

Reed has run for mayor six other times, with her best showing coming in the 2000 election. She collected 4.4 percent of the vote that year, finishing behind Loretta Spencer and Herb Dixon but ahead of Jim Casey.

Spencer, who served three terms as mayor before losing to Battle in 2008, is said to be contemplating another run. She declined to comment on the rumors Wednesday.

"I just worry about my city as a citizen," Spencer said.

Another potential candidate, subdivision developer Sandra Steele, told The Times that she is "still open" to running for mayor but has not made a decision.

"I'm really focused on business right now," Steele said Wednesday, "but I am still considering the race."

Jess Brown, a political science professor at Athens State University, said Steele should announce her candidacy soon if she intends to run.

People like Steele who have never sought public office typically need to campaign for several months in order to build "name ID" with voters, Brown said.

"If I'm Steele, I want to start early and develop my campaign theme and get people to know me," he said Wednesday. "If I'm Spencer, I don't think it matters as much because she's done it before and has a ready-made (campaign) organization."